To the Editor:

Five municipalities (Abington, Cheltenham, Hatboro, Jenkintown and Upper Moreland) have been working together for more than a year as part of our effort to jointly solve problems that are common to us all in this area of Montgomery County. These issues include transportation, economic development and revitalization, storm water, education funding, keeping taxes lower and others.

Our first joint project was to work with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission on the 611/263 York Road corridor. We raised $200,000 for this work from DVRPC, the county and the municipalities themselves. The goal is to identify specific projects we can implement to make improvements on the corridor to enhance transportation and economic development.

The first phase is nearing completion, and we would like to invite everyone to see and hear the results and to provide feedback to improve the effort. This open house will take place today from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 444 Old York Road, Jenkintown. At 6 p.m., there will be a briefing and Q&A session.

A staffer at the Montgomery County Planning Commission once pointed out that combining the population of the municipalities on this corridor would result in the third largest city in the state. The elected officials involved believe that by working together we can generate more resources and better address the needs of our municipalities and constituents.

Michael Golden
Jenkintown Borough Council

Lisa Romaniello
Upper Moreland Township

Patrick Starr
Pa. Environmental Council